After a quick and convenient meal as we passed through Mansfield. It was quite late in the…read moreafternoon for lunch, in fact the menus flipped to dinner at 4:55, so after a quick stroll we were lured in to read the menu by a $10.90 lunch special. Being one that will go for the healthy option 9 times out of 10. I was impressed by the range of healthy meals on offer from quinua, lentil and wild rice salad to chicken and sumac salads soups and share platters all reasonably priced. This occasion being slightly worse for wear after a big night we opted to share the lamb burger which was the daily special. Luckily we decided to share as this burger was of quite generous portion with a nice thick party that filled the bun and a side of beer battered chips. The hotel is also host to Mansfield spring art competition so there was a great range of locally produced artworks on display to buy.

I stumbled in after a 79km bike ride. My muscles ached. I was in need of beer and something…read moreproteiny and delicious, stat. Firstly, it's one of those places where you order at the counter in the 'bistro' and then have to go off and buy your drink separately. Never mind, I got to speak to two friendly staff members that way. Score. I ordered the Moroccan lamb rump. It arrived swiftly and was enjoyed with a local Mansfield Brewing Company amber ale. The lamb was cooked and spiced to perfection, and sat on a salad of quinoa, lentils, and black rice. The salad was lively and tantalizing, with little bursts of flavour from the beetroot, nuts, and various dried fruits. The whole lot was covered in a minted yoghurt that married all the components together. Honestly, mouth is watering thinking back to it. I haven't tried any of the other pubs or eateries in Mansfield but by heck, I don't think I'll bother. I'm keep to do that meal and beer combo again. Stat.

I've noticed that in regional Victoria it is not uncommon to find a pub directly opposite the…read morerailway station. That is probably the best position for a pub because it means all of the workers will pop in here for a drink after a long train journey. When my parent's came over to Melbourne recently and stayed at my Uncle's place, it gave me a great excuse to come up here and have a drink. Mind you my auntie was quite surprised to find out that I knew that there was a pub opposite the railway station, but as my Dad mentioned, I happen to know where all of the pubs are. This was a pretty nice pub, and the cheerful welcome I received when I stepped in through the door goes to show, once again, that country pubs are quite different to their metropolitan counterparts (I never receive a hearty welcome when I walk into the Transit Bar). There is also a beer garden, but I would probably move away from 'beer garden' to describe it more like a backyard, something else that seems to be common with pubs out here.

With new owners and a few renovations, this is the best proper country pub in the area. A full bar…read morewith plenty of icy cold beer on tap will hit the spot nicely. Cameron and the team serve up the usual suspects you'd expect from good pub grub as well as seasonal additions and specials on the menu board. From the beef burger to the chicken parma or the amazing lamb shanks you're in for a treat. The atmosphere is great with 4 large screens around the walls so you won't miss any of the action from your favourite sports team. In winter grab a beer and warm up around the circular open fireplace, or head out to the beer garden. Weekly live music from some of the finest bands. Shannon Noll has even dropped in for the night! So drop in and say g'day to the manager Corey and you may even run into an AFL legend or two!

I had a Caesar Salad for lunch today. I was not good. It was saturated/swimming in a vinaigrette…read more(not caesar) dressing. (Woolies and Coles is in walking distance if they ran out!). It didn't even look good, everything was chopped up into the smallest of pieces. It tasted so bad I didn't even finish it. Cost $20.

Went to this pub for dinner, and had a delicious, juicy and thick porterhouse steak with veggies…read moreand mushroom gravy

I'm not really sure why it took this long to get around to reviewing this pub, and how it landed up…read moredown near the bottom off all my pending reviews since it actually isn't all that bad. Mind you, it is a bit of a hike to get to since it is about 50 km from the centre of Melbourne, but fortunately there is a railway station across the road (though getting off the train simply to have a drink at this pub is probably not the best of ideas). I remember seeing this pub as a kid since my Grandparents used to live out here, but it was years before I managed to get around to actually having a beer here. It has a really nice country feel about it, and the sports bar is pretty much separated from the bistro and dining area. There is a huge garden, but you can also sit out on the veranda and watch the cars all go past. Certainly a place to check out if you are able to get up here.

Decent pub with good beers and food ok the outskirts of town. Came in for some fish n chips n beers…read morewhile passing through and loved it.

Our group consisted of six adults, and the Midland was exactly what we were looking for in a place…read moreto stay in Castlemaine. Although this hotel doesn't have a restaurant, and is only open on weekends, it is full of charm and very cosy. The rooms were in appropriate style, and were clean and comfortable with modern bathrooms. The Midland is run by friendly owners, and the shop incorporated into the building has an ecclectic mix of high quality goods.

Absolutely charming hotel with both Victorian and Art Deco architecture just by the Railway…read moreStation. Mauro, the host, is a friendly and welcoming fellow who is keen to make sure you make the most of your stay in this beautiful small town. Take advantage of the bar, the charming courtyard, or the magnificent sitting room, which is a real treat. Perfect base for a weekend in Castlemaine.

Furlonge bnb is a lovely and cozy establishment. Beautifully furnished, this place has an extremely…read morewelcoming atmosphere. The manager ia very accommodating greeting me with afternoon tea of a very moist banana bread slice with black tea. Served in cute english crockery. Complimentary drinks of port, beer and juice were provided. Not to mention the FREE WI-FI!!! I had a double bed to myself (luxury). The living space is suitably private with curtains to draw. Everythung was cleanly, towels were fresh with toiletries provided. In the morning, a generous bowl of seasonal fruits such as figs, strawberries and nectarines were provided followed by a hearty cooked breakfast; think sautéed mushrooms with basil and sweet grilled tomatoes, with of course eggs and bacon. All in all 5/5 for this great place. Such a positive experience and if im in the area again I will definitely stay there.